Zipp 303 Clincher Disc Wheelset Black-White Shimano Black-White
Managing to cover the coveted requirements for lightness and aerodynamics, the Zipp 303 is every racer’s dream. You may have to pay a pretty penny for the rights but it still a fast and exciting wheelset to own. In addition to the speed, the 303 also manages to be durable and comfortable for daily riding. Read full review
Zipp 303 Review
It takes but a glance to realize that the Zipp 303 looks different. If you are wondering why that is, it is because this wheelset is wide. In fact, the 303 is one of the widest among the wheelsets that Zipp produces. There is no need for concern, however, as there is a very good reason for why this feature exists. At the same time, depending on what you are riding, you may experience some fitting problems.
Once you begin riding with the 303, something is almost immediately noticeable and this is the acceleration. The aerodynamic abilities of this wheelset greatly reduces on the drag and you can get up to the speed that you want incredibly fast. The lightness and the overall stiffness of the 303 also mean that you can maintain this speed without really breaking a sweat.
The wide rims really come into their own when you have to face down bad weather. The aerodynamic design of the rims mean that the wind really isn’t a concern for you. Even when it begins to get gusty, you can be sure that your wheelset and bike will stay true. The braking is also quite impressive, especially on the descents thanks to the de-lamination properties.
One of the main advantages, for me, regarding this wheelset was the durability and reliability of it. This is not a wheelset that you have to reserve for special occasions. You can ride it every day and not have to deal with any issues. This is certainly a good thing because the 303 are not cheap and will need to be taken out frequently if you are to be able to get your money’s worth.
+Pros:
- Balances weight with aerodynamics
- Good acceleration
- Fast
- Good in high winds
- Admirable braking
-Cons:
- Expensive
The Verdict
The Zipp 303 is light, aerodynamic, fast, and durable… what more could you want?
While you may need to part with some serious cash, it really is worth it for the 303.
Zipp 303 Clincher Disc Road WheelsetZipp’s 303 clincher wheels are perfection as far as road wheel design is concerned. Running on Zipp’s 77 hubs with added disc brake compatibility, as well as Firecrest rims, this wheelset’s build offers improved stiffness, durability and versatility. Whether on the road or during a cyclocross event; at only a combined 1.65kg, this wheelset is light enough to climb up the steepest gradients and stiff enough to hammer down the trickiest descents.Features: Hub Model: 177D Hub Width: 135mm Rim Outer Width: 26.4mm Rim: Carbon Clincher Rim Depth: 45mm Spokes: Sapim CX-Ray Spoke Hole Count: 24 Hole Spoke Pattern Drive Side: 2 cross Spoke Pattern Non-Drive Side: 2 cross Spoke Length Drive side: 270mm Spoke Length Non-Drive side: 272mm Max Tyre Pressure: 125psi / 8.62bars Track Adaptable: No Dimpled Surface: Yes 11-Speed Compatible: Yes Nipples: Sapim Secure Lock / External Thru Axle Compatible: Yes XD Driver Compatible: Yes Weight: 760g (front), 885g (rear)Technology: Carbon Clincher: Two years of intensive prototyping and testing has resulted in a clincher that utilises elements of motorsports brake systems to maximise heat management. Their investment has paid off in spades, with all Zipp Carbon Clinchers now passing the rigorous safety standards of CEN. Aerodynamic Boundary Layer Control (ABLC): The Sawtooth dimple design consists of 12 nodes that are specifically clocked to start aerodynamic shearing at a rate of 50hz at a rider speed of 20mph. Sawtooth accomplishes this by inducing small sheet vortices that shed at a low magnitude, but at a higher natural frequency, thus decreasing the laminar bubble effect on the aerodynamically shielded side of the rim’s profile to further reduce high yaw drag and improve crosswind stability. Showstopper: Showstopper is a complimenting pairing of a directional, moulded-in, texture with silicon carbide particles suspended in the surface resin. The current media blast process applied to all Zipp rims increases the surface roughness of the brake track providing the rider with consistent and responsive braking. In order to improve this for the wettest of rides, Zipp has introduced a moulded-in groove specifically tuned for the Zipp Tangente Platinum Pro EVO Brake Pad. The grooves have been optimized to interact with the leading edge (relative to the rotation of the wheel) of the brake pad and the four cooling channels. The leading edge of the pad and first two channels efficiently wipe water and debris outward, cleaning and drying the braking surface, while the second two cooling channels have maximum interference with the grooves allowing greater braking force than a smooth rim. The cleaning effects of the groove and pad interaction improve brake feel and consistency even in dry conditions.Buy Zipp Wheels & Tyres from Chain Reaction Cycles, the World’s Largest Online Bike Store.
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